Dark Horse 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale

Dark Horse 4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale. Dark Horse Brewing Company, Marshall, Michigan. Alc. 8.75% by Vol.

Ever since I've been aware of this brewery, their labels have been hallmarks of amateurish-ness. Whenever the topic of "bad label art" comes up, their name is bandied about. Hasn't stopped them, obviously. "Slick and professional" are two tags they want to steer clear of, it seems. Ah, well, must be part of the charm, so why fight it?

I've also been aware of DH for many years, but never tried this until today. Never heard of it until I saw their reality TV-show (which I had to stop watching after a few episodes). Maybe they expanded enough to finally release it to Minnesota?

Appearance: Dark as soot, this one, with a slim, soon-gone head.

Aroma: sweetness and spice. Molasses and cinnamon. Dark malts. Slight caramel and roast.

Taste: Once more, it's a Christmas cookie in the mouth once it hits the palate. Liquid Gingerbread. Sweetness is kept from cloying by an ample amount of hops, but sweet malt and spices remain on top. Caramel and toffee with spicy, bready malt flavors. All the sweetness ends on a dry note. Rich and full-bodied. Long, malty finish. Awfully tasty.

I'm looking for more information and find nothing on the label or the 6-pack holder, and finding nothing. I'm willing to bet a little something extra went in here, some spice or molasses. It's a delicious holiday treat.